Saudi insurers expect financial boost from new reinsurance mechanism

RIYADH: Saudi insurance companies are expecting a positive impact on their financial performance from a new mechanism that directs reinsurance premiums to the local market. 

The move, introduced by the Saudi Insurance Authority, aims to boost the role of local reinsurance firms in mitigating insurance risks within the Kingdom. 

“The mechanism stipulates that when insurance companies wish to reinsure, they must offer at least 30 percent of their treaty and facultative reinsurance agreements to companies licensed to conduct reinsurance activities within the Kingdom,” according to a statement on the Saudi Stock Exchange. 

The mechanism is set to take effect on Jan. 1, giving licensed reinsurance companies the priority to accept or decline these assignments, it added. 

Saudi Arabia’s insurance industry is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.2 percent through 2028, with its market size expected to reach SR83.7 billion ($22.28 billion), according to London-based data analytics and consulting company GlobalData. 

This growth, up from SR68.3 billion in 2024, is largely attributed to the health and motor insurance sectors, which are projected to account for 86 percent of total gross written premiums. 

Earlier data compiled by Arab News from Bloomberg showed a strong performance in the sector, with earnings increasing by 25 percent in the first half of 2024, reaching SR2.2 billion ($585 million), compared to the same period in 2023. 

The Saudi Reinsurance Co. expects the new mechanism to boost its reinsurance revenues in the Saudi market by more than 5 percent. The company also said that the financial impact will be reflected in its earnings from the first quarter of next year. 

Walaa Cooperative Insurance Co. said that the mechanism will positively affect its financial performance, with results expected to be seen starting in the first quarter of 2025. 

As one of the companies licensed by the insurance authority to conduct reinsurance activities, Walaa said the impact would be reflected in its financial results for that period. 

Mediterranean & Gulf Cooperative Insurance & Reinsurance Co., known as MEDGULF, said the new mechanism presents an opportunity to reassess its strategy regarding accepting additional reinsurance premiums from local insurers. 

Tawuniya Co. also expressed optimism, saying that it would positively impact its revenues from the Saudi market. 

“It is expected that positive financial impact will have an effect on 2025 financial results,” said Tawuniya. 

Gulf Insurance Group and LIVA Insurance Co. have also said that the new mechanism is expected to contribute positively to their financial performance starting next year.